What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningPhytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate
EmulsifyingDipentaerythrityl Hexa C5-9 Acid Esters
Skin ConditioningTriethylhexanoin
MaskingCeresin
Emulsion StabilisingHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientMacadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
EmollientPolyglyceryl-6 Behenate
Emulsion StabilisingSynthetic Wax
AbrasiveMicrocrystalline Wax
Emulsion StabilisingEthylene/Propylene Copolymer
AbrasiveDiisostearyl Malate
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientQuaternium-18 Bentonite
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantParfum
MaskingCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantWater
Skin ConditioningCI 15850
Cosmetic ColorantPunica Granatum Fruit Extract
AntioxidantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCitronellol
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingDiphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Phytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Dipentaerythrityl Hexa C5-9 Acid Esters, Triethylhexanoin, Ceresin, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Polyglyceryl-6 Behenate, Synthetic Wax, Microcrystalline Wax, Ethylene/Propylene Copolymer, Diisostearyl Malate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Dimethicone, Quaternium-18 Bentonite, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Tocopherol, Parfum, CI 77891, Water, CI 15850, Punica Granatum Fruit Extract, CI 19140, Citronellol, Linalool
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientBis-Behenyl/Isostearyl/Phytosteryl Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate
EmollientPhytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate
Skin ConditioningBis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2
EmollientDiisostearyl Malate
EmollientMicrocrystalline Wax
Emulsion StabilisingPyrus Malus Seed Oil
EmollientSucrose Tetrastearate Triacetate
EmollientSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
Synthetic Wax
AbrasiveSilica Silylate
EmollientEthylene/Propylene Copolymer
AbrasivePolyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate
EmulsifyingCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15985
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15850
Cosmetic ColorantCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientPolyglyceryl-2 Diisostearate
EmulsifyingCI 45410
Cosmetic ColorantTocopherol
AntioxidantWater
Skin ConditioningButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantRosa Canina Fruit Oil
EmollientButylene Glycol
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningRubus Idaeus Fruit Extract
AstringentVaccinium Macrocarpon Fruit Extract
AstringentHydrogenated Polyisobutene, Bis-Behenyl/Isostearyl/Phytosteryl Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Phytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Diisostearyl Malate, Microcrystalline Wax, Pyrus Malus Seed Oil, Sucrose Tetrastearate Triacetate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Synthetic Wax, Silica Silylate, Ethylene/Propylene Copolymer, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, CI 77891, CI 15985, CI 15850, Caprylyl Glycol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Polyglyceryl-2 Diisostearate, CI 45410, Tocopherol, Water, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Rubus Idaeus Fruit Extract, Vaccinium Macrocarpon Fruit Extract
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.
It is a:
- Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
- Emollient, helping to soften skin
- Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
- Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservatives
This ingredient is also known as shea butter. It is a plant-derived extract from the nuts of the Africa shea tree and one of the most well-studied emollients.
Because it has a high concentration of fatty acids (primarily oleic, stearic, and linoleic) it is able to form a protective barrier on the skin's surface. This helps seal in moisture and prevents transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
In vitro research found an increase in skin hydration by 58% and a decrease in TEWL by 37.8% after 24 hours of applying this ingredient (pretty impressive for a single ingredient!).
Besides hydration, shea butter also contains triterpenes that have anti-inflammatory potential. In particule, lupeol cinnamate has shown the highest anti-inflammatory activity in vivo.
Shea butter also contains vitamins A and E which may contribute to antioxidant activity.
While Shea Butter has an SPF rating of about 3-4, it is not a sunscreen replacement.
This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe because its fatty acids fall within the C11-C24 range that the Malassezia yeast can metabolize.
Learn more about Butyrospermum Parkii ButterCi 15850 is the pigment color red. It is an azo dye and created synthetically.
Azo dyes need to be thoroughly purified before use. This allows them to be more stable and longer-lasting.
This ingredient is common in foundations, lipsticks, and blushes. This color is described as brown/orangey red.
It has many secondary names such as Red 6 and Red 7. According to a manufacturer, Red 6 usually contains aluminum.
Learn more about CI 15850Ci 77891 is a white pigment from Titanium dioxide. It is naturally found in minerals such as rutile and ilmenite.
It's main function is to add a white color to cosmetics. It can also be mixed with other colors to create different shades.
Ci 77891 is commonly found in sunscreens due to its ability to block UV rays.
Learn more about CI 77891Diisostearyl Malate is an emollient and most often used in lip products. It comes from isostearyl alcohol, a fatty acid, and malic acid, an AHA.
As an emollient, Diisostearyl Malate helps create a thin film on your skin to trap moisture in. This helps keep your skin soft and smooth.
Ethylene/Propylene Copolymer is an exfoliant.
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is a synthetic polymer. Polymers are compounds with high molecular weight. Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is an emollient and texture enhancer.
In one study, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene showed better skin hydration levels than Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride. As an emollient, it helps keep your skin soft and hydrated by trapping moisture in.
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is often used as a mineral oil replacement.
Learn more about Hydrogenated PolyisobuteneMicrocrystalline Wax is derived from petroleum through a de-oiling process, then highly refined and purified before use in cosmetics.
In skincare formulations, it is used to improve texture and create a smooth, even consistency. It also helps stabilize products by preventing ingredients from separating.
This is a plant-derived ester that functions as a skin conditioner. It's basically a two linoleic acid molecules combined with fatty alcohols.
In practice, it works as a rich emollient that helps reduce moisture loss and give skin a soft appearance.
The phytosterol part of this ingredient brings an added structural bonus: phytosterols are structurally similar to cholesterol so they can fit right into the stratum corneum's lipid matrix to help reinforce the skin barrier.
Due to its molecular structure, this ingredient delivers a cushiony and glossy feeling without being excessively greasy.
It did not produce skin irritation or sensitization in clinical studies, and this ingredient is deemed safe to use in cosmetics at current practices.
Because this ingredient contains C16, C18, and C22 fatty chains, it may not be Malassezia/fungal acne safe. The Malassezia yeast potentially feeds on fatty acids in the C11-C24 range.
Learn more about Phytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer DilinoleatePolyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate is a plant-derived emulsifier and pigment-dispersing agent with a non-sticky skin feel.
It helps products glide on smoothly and prevents oil and water from separating in a formula, making it suitable for sunscreen and makeup formulations.
The EU inventory of cosmetics has no use restrictions on this ingredient and it is considered well-tolerated.
This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe because it is derived from isostearic acid.
Learn more about Polyglyceryl-2 TriisostearateSynthetic Wax is a manufactured hydrocarbon wax. In formulas, it works as an occlusive emollient that helps reduce water loss and improves the spreadability of products.
Research comparing synthetic wax to traditional mineral-derived products found that formulas containing it perform as well for skin hydration.
It is considered non-comedogenic and vegan-friendly.
This ingredient has a well-established safety record by the CIR Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety.
Synthetic Waxes are straight/branched-chain hydrocarbons with no ester bond or fatty acids. That means there is nothing for the Malassezia yeast to feed on.
Learn more about Synthetic WaxTocopherol is a fat-soluble antioxidant known as Vitamin E.
You'll find this ingredient in the vast majority of skincare (for good reason). It works to neutralize free radicals, or unstable molecules generated by UV exposure, pollution, and other environmental stressors, before they can cause oxidative damage to your skin cells.
Topically applied tocopherol has been shown to protect against UV damage by ramping up the skin's own natural defense enzymes.
It also acts as a skin conditioning agent; some studies show that regular topical use can improve the skin's water-binding capacity over 2-4 weeks.
This ingredient is especially loved for being a team player. When combined with Vitamin C, the photoprotective effect of both ingredients roughly doubles and the combo also helps reduce UV-induced DNA damage.
This ingredient has some brightening potential but it's more of a prevention ingredient than spot-fader. Cell studies show it can slow down melanin production but it's worth noting that it's not the most powerful brightener out there.
In formulations, it also serves as a stabilizer that helps protect other oxidation-prone ingredients from degrading.
Concentrations usually range from 0.1-1% in most leave-on products.
Learn more about TocopherolWater. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.
So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.
You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water